The toxicity of ethanol. A tentative risk evaluation.

A substantial knowledge has been collected on the dose-dependent toxic effects of ethanol. Whereas ethanol probably is the chemical substance exerting most toxic effects in many populations, a quantitative estimate of the upper limit of long term safe consumption from a toxicological and public health standpoint has not earlier been performed. It may be summarized that the toxic range of ethanol consumption is 35-200 g per day. Based on the available data we would propose an acceptable daily intake (ADI) for ethanol of 7 g per day. The practical consequences are discussed.